Concrete trucks ferrying construction materials have become a staple on busy highways, narrow city streets, and crowded neighborhoods. However, they pose an imminent danger if the driver is not careful, e.g., when turning or if other motorists don’t allow enough following distance.
If you’re unfortunate enough to encounter an accident with these massive vehicles, a Brandon truck accident lawyer from our firm can help you get the compensation you deserve.
How a Brandon Concrete Truck Lawyer Can Help You
Dealing with severe legal matters like seeking compensation for damages following a cement truck accident can be emotionally draining. You could be the driver hoping your employer does the right thing and pays for medical expenses and lost wages.
Victims can also be innocent bystanders who were harmed when the truck backed up to the sidewalk. Whatever the circumstances, a lawyer can help as follows:
- Preserving and documenting evidence, including sending a Preservation Letter to the defendant, so they hand over pertinent electronic records
- Contacting you often to find out how you’re holding up and share case updates.
- Going over medical reports and ordering independent assessments whenever necessary, then proving bodily harm to insurance adjusters
- Ensuring your medical expenses and other damages owed to you are paid without delay
- Defending your rights and giving sound legal advice at every stage, e.g., whether to accept a settlement offer or keep negotiating
- Representing you in court to ensure you get maximum financial recovery for various damages, including the projected ones like diminished future earnings
Insight Into Concrete Trucks
From that backdrop, motorists, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and other road users can expect to see more construction trucks on the road. These trucks vary based on their engineering specifications and the work they are designed to do. Some standard trucks you will see include:
- Dump trailer/ end dump trailer
- Side dump truck
- Transfer dump truck
- Standard dump truck
- Tri-axle dump truck
- Bottom dump
- Double belly dump
- Off-highway dump truck
These trucks are massive and intimidating, especially when traveling in a small passenger vehicle. Their size makes them have several blind spots that make it difficult for the driver to see cars in the vicinity. A truck accident lawyer understands the devastation caused by such incidents and can help you sue for various damages.
Why Are Accidents Involving Concrete Trucks Different?
Being involved in a crash with a concrete truck is not the same scenario as colliding with passenger vehicles. These humongous vehicles are loaded with cargo that makes them heavier, thus prone to rollover accidents. There are federal guidelines that truckers and their carriers must abide by to ward off catastrophes such as these.
When the unthinkable happens, victims of smaller vehicles are more likely to sustain grave injuries and even succumb at the scene or while receiving treatment.
Some common accidents involving cement trucks include:
- Colliding with other vehicles
- Hitting pedestrians or bicyclists
- Tipping over because of load imbalance
- Spilling of cargo and obstructing motorists
Liable Parties in Concrete Truck Accidents
When any of the above accidents happen, they’re likely to harm people by inflicting injury and pain, not to mention the possibility of death. You’ll want to hold someone accountable for hurting you or causing property damage as a victim.
These cases are complex, and typically, there is more than one liable party, as follows:
The Driver
More often than not, the truck driver is usually to blame for accidents. They could be attempting a 360-point turn in a narrow residential street or not using their rear-view mirror when backing up. Driving under the influence is another factor that impairs the driver’s judgment while behind the wheel.
Loading Firms
The company responsible for loading the truck could be liable for improper loading techniques that jeopardize the driver. For instance, deliberately overloading the car to save on transportation costs and time makes it difficult to control the truck. Your lawyer will be keen to explore all reasons for the accident and the entity behind them.
Construction Owner
These vehicles transport building materials to construction sites, which should be marked appropriately and follow all safety protocols. An accident at these locations could be the fault of the construction company, the project owner, or other stakeholders. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine will explore this possibility and gather the necessary facts.
The Trucking Company or Carrier
The driver or someone else will alert the trucking company when there’s an accident. Did they train the driver? How much experience do they have handling such a vehicle? What is their safety track record? Do they conduct safety inspections on their fleet?
These are some of the questions your legal counsel will ask, and their responses could expose negligence on the carrier’s end. Your lawyer, however, has the burden of proof to show without reasonable doubt that the trucking company breached its duty of care.
Your lawyer can also hold the carrier responsible when their driver (employee or subcontractor) triggers an accident. To accomplish this feat, they must prove the following:
- The trucker was following the carrier’s guidelines when the crash occurred
- The trucking company has power over the driver and their actions, e.g., as per the terms of their employment contract
- The trucker was performing tasks squarely within the scope of the job description when the crash happened
Contact The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for Legal Counsel
Did you sustain injuries following a concrete truck accident in Brandon? The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine are resourced with a team of highly-experienced attorneys ready to serve you. We’ll help you schedule appointments, get your vehicle fixed, and update you frequently about your claim.
We aim to win the highest settlement to keep you from financial ruin. Allow us to help you while you seek treatment for your injuries.
We Can Help.
